Manchester City’s Champions League hopes suffered a major setback as Real Madrid staged a late comeback to secure a dramatic victory. Despite flashes of brilliance, City’s vulnerabilities resurfaced, leaving them with an uphill battle to progress further in the tournament.

City started strongly, with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland leading the charge. Haaland’s clinical finish gave them an early lead, and they nearly doubled it when his deflected shot struck the bar. However, Grealish’s injury after 30 minutes was a turning point, disrupting City’s attacking rhythm and giving Madrid an opening.

Real, led by the pace of Kylian Mbappe and the trickery of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, gradually took control. Their persistence paid off when Mbappe equalized with a scuffed finish. City, visibly tiring, struggled to regain their composure, though Haaland briefly restored their lead with a late penalty.

However, Madrid’s experience and relentless pressure proved decisive. Sensing City’s fatigue, they pushed forward with urgency. In stoppage time, Jude Bellingham turned home the winner, completing a dramatic turnaround and breaking City hearts.

City’s key players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, looked exhausted, while defensive stalwarts Ruben Dias and John Stones struggled to keep pace. Manager Pep Guardiola now faces a tough task in reinvigorating his squad ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue to demonstrate why they are the kings of European football. Carlo Ancelotti’s side may not be at their peak, but they have an unmatched ability to rise to the occasion in the Champions League. Even when trailing, they remain composed, knowing they can find a way to win.

With Madrid now in control, City must find a way to turn the tie around in Spain. But given their current form and Madrid’s dominance at home, that will be a monumental challenge.